Wednesday, 9 August 2017

La Cage Aux Folles

A classic, OTT
musical with something for everyone - a thoroughly enjoyable show about family,
friendships, love and being true to who you are.

The story
is about Georges and Albin, a flamboyant gay couple running the celebrated nightclub
‘La Cage Aux Folles’ in St Tropez with Albin as the show’s star Za Za. When
their son, Jean-Michele, reveals he wishes to marry the girl of his dreams,
Anne – the daughter of a right-wing homophobic politician – we then follow this
extraordinary family as they hide their identities for a comical meeting with Anne’s
parents.

In terms of
the stage set, lighting and costumes this was spot on – transporting the
audience to a real-life French Cabaret. We got exactly what we’ve come to
expect from extravagant drag attire – with feathers, wings, glitter, sequins, high
heels and wigs galore. The orchestra were as much a part of the show as well,
with Za Za’s cheeky flirting with ‘Sandra’ the conductor.

The leads
are played by Adrian Zmed as Georges and John Partridge as Albin, both of whom
play their parts fantastically. John channelled his inner diva and entertained
us greatly with his performance as both Albin and Za Za, he had the audience involved
from the start and cracked some fantastically rude one liners amongst his superb
singing. Not to forget the rest of the cast, ‘Les Cagelles’ dazzled us with their
dance routines and a shout out to critically acclaimed Marti Webb as Jacqueline,
who impressed us as their dear friend and owner of a trendy restaurant. Lastly a
stand out performance from Samson Ajewole as Jacob, Albin’s butler/maid who was
as camp as can be and funny in every way.